Surveillants Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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surveillants

[ˈsɜːrˌveɪlənts ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in a school setting

School officials who are responsible for maintaining discipline and ensuring the safety of students.

Synonyms

guards, monitors, supervisors.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
surveillants	Used in formal or legal settings to describe individuals responsible for surveillance or observation, often in security or custodial roles. The surveillants installed numerous cameras around the facility to ensure maximum security
supervisors	Used in work or educational settings to describe individuals who oversee others' work and ensure tasks are completed properly. The supervisors held a meeting to discuss the progress of the ongoing projects
monitors	Used in educational or workplace environments to describe individuals who observe and ensure compliance with rules or standards. The exam monitors ensured that no one was cheating during the test
guards	Commonly used to refer to individuals who protect or keep watch over a place, person, or object, especially in security or prison contexts. The guards at the museum are very strict about not allowing any photography

Examples of usage

The surveillants are constantly monitoring the hallways to prevent any misbehavior.
The school hired additional surveillants to improve security on campus.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in a prison setting

Officials who supervise and monitor the inmates in a correctional facility.

Synonyms

correctional officers, guards, wardens.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
surveillants	This term is less common in English and is often used in a broader sense to refer to individuals who supervise or monitor activities, typically in educational or institutional settings. The museum employs several surveillants to ensure the safety of its exhibits.
wardens	Typically refers to the head official in charge of a prison or correctional facility, responsible for the overall operation and management of the institution. The new warden implemented several reforms to improve the conditions in the state prison.
guards	A general term for individuals who protect property, places, or persons, often used in various security contexts like museums, banks, construction sites, and events. The guards at the bank are trained to handle robbery situations.
correctional officers	Used specifically to refer to individuals who work in prisons or jails, responsible for the custody, safety, and rehabilitation of inmates. Correctional officers attended a training seminar on conflict resolution within the prison.

Examples of usage

The surveillants conduct regular checks in the prison cells.
The prison has a team of well-trained surveillants to prevent escapes.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

Surveillance as a concept has been used since ancient times, with rulers employing watchers in the Roman Empire to maintain control.
During the Cold War, surveillance gained prominence as countries monitored each other's actions intensively.
The rise of technology in the 21st century has shifted surveillance from human observers to digital forms, such as cameras and data tracking.

Cultural Significance

Surveillance is a common theme in literature and film, often portraying the conflict between personal privacy and the need for security.
Dystopian works, like George Orwell's '1984', highlight the dangers of excessive government surveillance.
In contemporary art, some artists critique surveillance culture, exploring themes of privacy and observation.

Psychology

Being aware of surveillance can alter people's behavior, a phenomenon known as the 'observer effect'.
Studies indicate that people often feel more self-conscious when they know they are being watched, affecting their actions.
Surveillance can lead to feelings of anxiety and distrust in communities, raising ethical concerns.

Technology

Advancements in technology have expanded the methods of surveillance, including drones and facial recognition software.
In smart cities, surveillance systems are employed to improve safety, but they also raise privacy concerns among residents.
With the increase of the internet, surveillance has evolved into monitoring online activities, leading to discussions on data privacy.

Origin of 'surveillants'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the French 'surveillant', which means 'watcher'.
Originally derived from 'surveiller', meaning to watch over or oversee.
Its roots can be traced back to the Latin 'super' (over) and 'vigilare' (to watch), emphasizing the act of watching closely.

The word 'surveillants' is derived from the French word 'surveillant', which means supervisor or overseer. It originated in the 18th century and has been used to refer to individuals responsible for monitoring and overseeing others in various settings.